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An energy strategy to support business goals

As the pace of change quickens in the manufacturing sector and old business models make way for a new accelerated era, manufacturers are constantly looking at the benefits of new technologies. This might include integrating cloud technologies to improve operational efficiency, taking a more flexible approach to scaling up service operations, or adapting products and processes to meet the expectations of customers and stakeholders. However, one essential component is frequently overlooked, an ingredient without which any manufacturing recipe would be a non-starter: energy.

As you’re collating information to inform future budget scenarios and considering Capex expenditure, new market opportunities and how to ‘future-proof’ operations, be sure to give your energy management systems and processes another once-over. You may find that how you handle your energy demands could make a real difference to your bottom line, productivity, and business reputation. Here are three simple things you can do to make sure your energy strategy supports (and progresses) your wider business goals.

Manufacturers are constantly looking at the benefits of new technologies, however, one essential component is frequently overlooked: Energy / Picture: Ørsted

1 – Ask for help

You’re great at your job but it keeps you busy ALL day every day. You know there’s more you can be doing to implement energy efficiency measures. You know you could be procuring energy at a better price and turning energy flexibility into revenue for new projects. You simply don’t have the time or resources to dedicate to better energy management. In fact, you’re not even sure you have the time to keep abreast of changing energy legislation. So why not ask someone else to do it?

Just like the manufacturing industry, the energy industry has seen unprecedented change in recent times. As a result, suppliers are looking for ways to work more collaboratively with their customers and add value to their service offering – giving you the opportunity to ask for more from them.

To help businesses overcome increased complexity in the energy marketplace, services are already widely available to help with everything from risk management to regulation. However, we understand that some customers will need extra support. We can now provide this in the form of Energy as a Service, a new energy solution that helps organisations navigate a changing energy sector, unlocking new marketplace opportunities whilst reducing emissions, energy costs, and any associated operational, market or regulatory risks.

2 – Trust in technology

To stay ahead in the digital age and optimise your processes, you’ll need to process high volumes of data, fast. That’s impossible to do well without cutting-edge cloud platforms, integrated technology and analytics tools. The same can be applied to energy management systems. For example, an optimal plant run schedule that saves your business time and money can be calculated by analysing market signals, such as wholesale energy prices, in relation to operating constraints and asset availability. That’s a time-consuming task for a person with a spreadsheet, but a walk in the park for someone using a cloud-based technology that produces scenarios to optimise your site.

We truly believe that better energy management is the key to unlocking more of your business’ potential. It can help you drive efficiency, cut costs, and make more of new revenue opportunities. Site Optimisation is just one part of a full suite of new digital tools that we’ve developed to make sure our customers have faster, smarter ways to do this. We’ve also created an online portal to give customers access to their accounts, marketplace information and support – whenever they need it.

3 – Choose green

This one is easy. Premium free green energy is available to power your business. It’s now possible to choose energy from 100% renewable sources and suffer no commercial disadvantage for doing so; conversely, it could give you the edge over the competition – and your increasingly environmentally conscious customers and stakeholders will thank you for it. It will help you lower your carbon footprint and boost your green credentials, also meaning that your manufacturing business is playing a vital role in building a better energy future. The only question that remains is: why wouldn’t you choose green